European, African and Middle East Regional WTC Meeting in Pescara attracts 199

The May 28-June 1 European, African and Middle East Regional WTC Meeting in Pescara, hosted by WTC Pescara-Chieti, was attended by 199 WTC delegates, trade mission delegates and accompanying persons from 43 WTCs. The two-day program focused on a variety of topics, as well as working sessions for the European WTCs and the Middle East and Africa WTCs. A special limited edition postmark was distributed that commemorates the 2008 European, African and Middle East Regional Meeting. 2008.

During the meeting, WTC Pescara-Chieti donated a superb work of art called the “Freedom Bell” to WTCA headquarters in New York that will be rotated among future hosts of European, African and Middle East regional WTC meetings. The Freedom Bell, created by renowned artist Paola Patriarca, was made from melted bronze by the well-known Fonderie Pontificie Marinelli. Inspired by the tragic events of 9-11, the Freedom Bell is a symbol of unity, renaissance and hope for humanity. A copy of the Freedom Bell will be displayed permanently in the prestigious museum of the Fonderie Pontificie Marinelli in Agnone.